8th ACEploration – Smart Cities
Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija (LIK), Lithuania
📍 Kaunas, Lithuania
📅 21–22 April 2026
About the 8th ACEploration
The 8th ACEploration, hosted by Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija (LIK) in Kaunas, will bring together academic staff from across the ACE²-EU Alliance to co-create future-oriented academic initiatives under the overarching theme of Smart Cities.
ACEploration is a strategic co-creation format within the Applied Programmes and Pedagogy Factory (APP Factory). It provides a structured yet dynamic environment where professors exchange expertise, pitch ideas, and design concrete joint learning opportunities across institutions.
Theme
SMART CITIES – Designing Future Solutions for Sustainable Development
Cities are evolving ecosystems. They must become greener, smarter, and more inclusive. This ACEploration invites academic staff to collaboratively design educational initiatives that respond to today’s urban challenges while shaping tomorrow’s sustainable futures.
Subthemes
🌿 Greener and Cooler Cities
Transforming urban systems for climate resilience and nature integration.
Focus areas include sustainable buildings, urban heat adaptation, nature-based solutions, and the link between environment, health, and quality of life.
🚦 Smart City Mobility
Transforming the future of urban transportation.
Intelligent mobility systems, innovative transport solutions, smart grids, and sustainable infrastructure supporting efficient and safe urban movement.
🤝 Inclusive Smart Cities for Future Populations
Human-centred and socially responsive urban innovation.
Healthy and resilient communities, ageing societies, digital health technologies, and the role of culture and education in shaping inclusive cities.
What Will Happen During the ACEploration?
Over two intensive days in Kaunas, participants will:
- Present and refine academic pitches
- Identify collaboration partners across institutions
- Co-design short learning opportunities (SLOs, BIPs, Flavour Schools)
- Explore pathways for future Joint Master’s degrees
- Define clear follow-up actions and implementation roadmaps
The mission includes:
📅 Pre-Briefing Meeting (online): 9 April 2026
📍 On-site ACEploration at LIK: 21–22 April 2026
📅 Post-ACEploration Review (online): 28 April 2026
Participants are expected to attend all three stages.
Who Should Participate?
Academic staff from ACE²-EU partner universities who:
- Work within the Smart Cities thematic areas
- Are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Wish to co-create joint academic initiatives
- Are committed to active follow-up after the mission
Each institution is expected to nominate at least two members of teaching staff.
Expected Outcomes
The 8th ACEploration aims to generate:
- Concrete joint learning proposals
- Strengthened inter-university collaboration
- Expanded mobility pathways for staff and students
- Engagement with relevant external stakeholders
- Clear next steps towards implementation
How to Apply
Nominations must be submitted by 20 March 2026 via the official registration link (provided by your home university)
Contact
For further information, please contact:
📧 gitana.vyciene@lik.tech
